An all-Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) under Article 6 of the Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (Wales) (No. 2) Order 2006 comes in to force 00:01 on Thursday 30 January.

The AIPZ will require all keepers of poultry and other captive birds, irrespective of the size of the flock or how the birds are kept, to take appropriate and practicable steps now, including:

Ensuring the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, for example, by netting ponds and surrounding areas and by removing wild bird food sources;

Feeding and watering flocks in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds;

Minimising movement of people in and out of bird enclosures;

Cleaning and disinfecting footwear, using foot dips before entering poultry enclosures, and keeping areas where birds live clean and tidy;

Reducing any existing contamination by cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas and fencing off wet or boggy areas;

Keeping domestic ducks and geese separate from other poultry;

Wild game birds “caught up” during the open season must not be moved for a minimum of 21 days, subject to conditions within the declaration.

Ensuring records are kept in line with the conditions within the declaration.

Completing the mandatory biosecurity self-assessment checklist within 7 days.